Princess Cruises Cancels Israel Visit

Israel is a popular destination for cruise ships in the spring and summer, with at least five cruise lines planning to call at Haifa and Ashod (the port for Jerusalem) in coming weeks.

But with tensions growing in the region, Princess Cruises canceled a visit to Ashod today.

The change of itinerary for the 688-passenger Pacific Princess comes after the death of nine people earlier this week when Israeli commandos stormed an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. That incident took place at sea, and has been followed by protests around the world.

A Princess Cruises spokeswoman told USA Today the ship was skipping the port call because of "the ongoing potential for unexpected violent protests" sparked by the flotilla incident.